Essential knowledge for the expert witness: Full programme

By the end of this programme you will; 

• Understand and be able to explain the responsibilities of acting as an expert witness, including the court’s position on supervision, consultation and handling of errors
• Be able to apply relevant legal, ethical, professional and regulatory frameworks, including consideration of consent
• Understand your contractual obligations and risks associated with being an expert witness, including that of liability, and how you can effectively manage your work/business to manage or mitigate these
• Understand and be able to explain how and why the Expert Witness Assessment differs from your therapeutic practice
• Understand the importance of the expert witness report in court setting and the different court rules/ requirements of the expert witness reports, including the statements of compliance and truth
• Be able to select and conduct appropriate psychometric tests to meet the requirements of the court
• Understand and be able to explain the importance of being clear about facts vs opinion in report writing and evidence from the witness box
• Understand and be able to explain the purpose and importance of the joint meeting of experts, and or/joint expert report, and how these can be appropriately managed
• Be aware of common pitfalls when giving evidence in court and how these may be mitigated and responded to
• Be equipped to develop an ongoing developmental action plan for your role as an expert witness

Each module will also have its own more detailed set of learning outcomes.

Programme completion 

You must complete all eight online modules before attending the workshop. By booking your workshop place you are agreeing that you have met this criteria.

In order to satisfactorily complete this workshop (and therefore receive your completion certificate) you must: 

• Arrive on time and be present for the entire duration, participating fully without disruption. A break is scheduled during the workshop. You are able to briefly turn off your video for privacy (e.g. comfort breaks) but please return within a reasonable time. Being absent for a long period of time may affect your completion of the workshop
• Adhere to the workshop zoom expectations, which will be outlined by the facilitator at the start of the workshop. This includes keeping your video and audio enabled on your device throughout the workshop, and advice on muting/unmuting
• Actively engage in the workshop throughout, including participating in discussions and activities
• Complete the pre-workshop reading and activities before attending the workshop. Doing so will help you to fully participate in the workshop

Is this course right for me? 

The programme is intended for HCPC registered practitioner psychologists or those working towards the completion of their accredited training. It is particularly suitable for those considering embarking on practice as an expert witness.

However:

• If you are at the very early stages of considering embarking on practice as an expert witness, the module 1 of the Expert Witness programme may be for you.
• If you already have a solid understanding and experience of the responsibilities, requirements and challenges of being an Expert Witness and either want to further explore how to apply your existing knowledge into being a Psychologist Expert Witness the Psychologists as Expert Witnesses workshop may be for you. Take a look at the 'Is this course for you?' section of the workshop page to check your eligibility to attend the workshop.   

Remember, if you have already completed one or more of the modules of the BPS Essential Knowledge for the Expert Witness programme, get in touch to request a discount code to top up and complete your learning with the additional modules and new workshop. Simply complete this form to request your discounted access to the full programme of online modules and workshop. 

This programme is available in English only.

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